Juan David - Age 23 - Arroyo Seco Sanchez

Juan David Sanchez beloved son of Lorenzo and Geraldine Sanchez passed away unexpectedly Friday September 3rd in Chamita NM. Juan was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Julia Sanchez, fraternal Great grandmother, Rosita DeHerrera whom he loved dearly, and numerous relatives and friends. He is survived by his parents Lorenzo and Geraldine of Arroyo Seco, NM, Grandparents, David and Marie DeHerrera of Chamita, NM and Dr. Willie Sanchez of Las Vegas, NM. He is also survived by his uncle and Padrino, Leonard DeHerrera of Chamita, uncles and aunts Billy Sanchez, Beverly Sanchez and companion Louis Maestas, Dolores Sena his Madrina and husband Vernell, of Las Vegas NM, Mark Sanchez of El Paso TX and Tim Sanchez of Alamosa CO. Juan is also survived by his long time, best friend and companion, Rhonda Trujillo of Rio Chiquito, NM, and by numerous relatives and friends who will miss him tremendously.\r\n Juan was a gifted athlete and student. He was a wonderful child and from a very early age he displayed his academic ability, athleticism, and sportsmanship on and off the field. He led his Pojoaque Little League division in home runs as an eleven and twelve year old and played on numerous Little League all-star teams. Juan played football for the Pojoaque Elks and was their starting Quarterback and Middle Linebacker for three years. Juan played Varsity baseball at Pojoaque Valley High School starting for the Elks as an eighth grader, culminating his playing career at Pojoaque by winning the 2005 NMAA Triple A State Championship his senior year as team captain. In his last at bat as an Elk, at the direction of Coach Brian Ainsworth, Juan hit a 400 foot shot into deep center field at Isotopes Park that sealed the title for the Elks and sent the Pojoaque fans into a frenzy. He was a North South All Star in both sports. He graduated from Pojoaque Valley High School with academic achievements and was honored as both Athlete and Student Athlete of the year. He went on to play Jr. College baseball for the Luna Community College Rough Riders in Las Vegas NM for two years. While at Luna he received numerous academic awards and honors, was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity in recognition of his academic achievements. Juan was presently enrolled at NMSU where he was pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. During his college years Juan had worked for several engineering firms, the NMDOT, and City of Santa Fe performing a variety of engineering duties. Juan had just concluded a six-month coop co-sponsored by the NMDOT and NMSU where he inspected bridges statewide for deficiencies as part of the Obama administrations ARRA program. \r\nJuan had a special relationship with his grandfather David who taught Juan auto mechanics and farming and the Catholic faith. He displayed his Grandfather’s gift at mechanics by building a “tuner” car while still in high school. He would often be found working at his Grandfather’s side in his shop or in the garden.\r\nJuan will forever be remembered for his accomplishments, friendship, humor and generosity.\r\nA memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ben Lujan Gymnasium in Pojoaque. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Burial will follow at the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo Cemetery. The family of Juan David Sanchez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley 505-747-7477

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